Need recommendations for mp3 player

[piratepete7]

Ok here's the criteria:

Needs to be no more than about $50
Needs to have a simple USB hook-up with drag-drop functionality (itunes does not apply here)
Needs to have at least 4gb capacity
Prefer a rechargeable battery
Needs to not completely suck


About the last one: I bought a Coby MP600 and the thing is even a crappy paperweight.
http://www.amazon.com/Coby-Flash-Player-Color-Display/dp/B001PAEAYQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1264461594&sr=8-1

I've looked at the Sansa Clip and i was underwhelmed by the slow and illogical interface.

Is there really nothing worth buying without spending $100+

Help!

 

[Guest]

If Sansa doesn't suit, I would up the budget a bit and look at Sony NWZ (S, A and E ranges) at around $100 upwards.

Sound, battery life, build quality, interface, no iTunes-type annoyances transferring files. On top models, headphone quality good enough that you'll save because you won't want to replace them.

Downside -- no memory expansion, no firmware updates. Sony not the best to deal with.

 

[piratepete7]

If Sansa doesn't suit, I would up the budget a bit and look at Sony NWZ (S, A and E ranges) at around $100 upwards.

Sound, battery life, build quality, interface, no iTunes-type annoyances transferring files. On top models, headphone quality good enough that you'll save because you won't want to replace them.

Downside -- no memory expansion, no firmware updates. Sony not the best to deal with.

I will take a look at the NWZ.

Just really surprised at the dearth of options at a reasonable price.

The market niche is just dying for someone to jump in there and make a whole lotta money.

 

[Guest]

I'm afraid you are being optimistic -- the only reason Sony are now offering pretty good products without proprietary software (e.g. itunes type annoyances) is that they're corporate pride has been hurt by Apple dominating the portable music sector that used to be Sony's, primarily.

I believe Creative products sound good, but I think there are reliability or support issues. Samsung are also mentioned as good.

You might also a look at www.anythingbutipod.com which is an MP3 specialist site.

 

[piratepete7]

Best answer selected by piratepete7.